What) The
Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American film starring Tim
Robbins and Morgan Freeman. Adapted from the Stephen King
novella, the film portrays the story of Andy Dufresne, a
banker who spends nearly two decades in Shawshank State Prison
for the murder of his wife and her lover despite his claims of
being innocent. Despite a lukewarm box office reception that
was barely enough to cover its budget, the film received
favorable reviews from critics, multiple award nominations,
and has since enjoyed a remarkable life on video and
television. (1)
The Ohio
State Reformatory is a historic prison located in Mansfield
that was built between 1886 and 1910 and remained in operation
until a 1990 federal court ruling ordered the facility to be
closed. While this facility was used in a number of films
(including several while it was still in operation), TV shows
and music videos, it was made famous by The Shawshank
Redemption when it was used in the large panning scene and for
the Warden's office. One of the top five largest
castle-like structures in the USA, the Reformatory houses the
world's tallest free-standing steel cell block (6 tiers; 12
ranges, 600 cells). Considered a grand architectural
achievement, the massive Reformatory building, large granite
pillars and elegant construction encompass 250,000 square feet
and combines three architectural styles. (2)
The oak tree under which Andy buries his letter to Red is located at 40°39′14″N 82°23′31″W, near Malabar Farm State Park, in Lucas, Ohio. The tree was heavily damaged by straight-line winds in a thunderstorm on July 29, 2011 and officials are unsure if the tree will survive. (1)
Where) 100 Reformatory Road Adults: $9.00 Open May-September Mon-Fri 11am - 4pm; Sun 1 - 4pm 1-419-522-2644
Why) I have
enjoyed watching the movie three times which is rare for me. I
also liked the looks of the prison even before I read about
it's architecture. 
